PM calls for assistance in the fight against crime

PM Skerrit
PM Skerrit

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has told the newly elected St Joseph Village Council that the fight against drug trafficking should form an integral part of its agenda.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the council on Wednesday night the Prime Minister said that the issue is one of major concern.

“I would want us to place on our agenda and our work program, our fight against drug trafficking and the use of drug and drug trafficking in Dominica. I can tell you that this is a major concern in the country because most of the crimes taking place in Dominica have to do with the use trafficking of drugs,” he said.

Prime Minister Skerrit also called for the assistance of the public to combat drugs and crime in Dominica.

“We have too many illegal guns in this country and we have to assist the state, we have to assist the police in fighting this. It cannot be the task of government and police alone. Crime is a societal problem and therefore it requires a societal response and therefore all of us must play our part at every level,” he pointed out.

According to the Prime Minister, fighting criminal activities is costing government “to spend too much of monies that it doesn’t have”.

“It means monies that we should be using for peoples development, we have to use divert it to national and regional security because security is important and we have to be able to feel safe to be able to walk the streets in Dominica at anytime,” he said.

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67 Comments

  1. marion
    August 13, 2013

    why does dno print that nonsense.dont you all think thats a bunch of crap?

  2. marion
    August 13, 2013

    w
    they learning from the bin bobol.

  3. RightMind
    April 6, 2013

    Unfortunately politics has become a system where rhetoric and words rate above, the ability to make things happen, funny thing is at the back street of St.Joseph the drug barons and users don’t fear anyone they openly sell and consume the illegal drugs without fear of being arrested prosecuted, the police do not dear show their faces, what I suggest is to get the police on the streets and stop turning a blind eye to what is happening. The police have to show that they are the law enforcers, the laws are there but it’s never implemented, confiscate the drug baron ill gain wealth that they have accumulated, the police also have to foot patrol our villages and stop hiding in their pick-transport, we all know who these drugs people are we see them everyday selling drugs to our young people turning them into Junkies. PM ask yourself some serious questions how is possible a member of our community with no visible sign of income can afford a transport to the value of 60,000 dollars, why is it a 15 boy can find the drug dealers in the village and the bad Special Task Force is not competent to do so, get the police to be more proactive and stop them drinking RUM while on duty, the greatest danger is people thinking that nothing can be done, our Village deserve better.

  4. wells
    April 5, 2013

    Stiffer penalty for the dealers

  5. crym
    April 5, 2013

    Dominicans know who is putting a spoke into the wheels of the investigations into GON Emanuel firebombing. We know who have spoken against Mano in that horrible attempt to kill he and his wife. Mr. PM I challenge you to show compassion to Mano and his wife by inviting Scotland yard or FBI to solve that heinous crime once and for all. Do it for the innocent policeman too.

    Mr. PM, with all the power you have, try to get “Sicko,” “Secko” back to Dominica ASAP to help solve that brutal crime.

    Judicial Review still re. The Emanuel vs. Isidore case where Mano filed 42 charges of alledged fraud and other illegal offences? Not one charge can be read to Isidore yet?

    Those sales of our passports (Diplomatic and ordinary) and the monies, investments, jobs? Foreign Ambassadors in trouble with the law, fraud, with our Diplomatic passports, secret deals? white Collar crimes? Who leaked your confidential info given to the IPO? Is that a serious criminal offence? Or because who do it it’s OK? What about the IPO being pressured because it wants to do it’s work?

    What about Lennox Linton being pulverized for exposing crime, criminal acts committed, with facts and irrefutable evidence to prove. What about the several corrupt actions and practices investigated. Bin Bobol, Fertilizer Bobol, Secret Land deals- defrauding the Treasury, quick enrichment by dubious means while in public Office and son and so on and so on.

    The system is designed to protect those Big Wigs evn if found committing the crimes. Too many examples hit us straight in the eyes.

  6. Anonymous
    April 5, 2013

    That prime minister needs to realize its only going to get worst thanks to him for one. the PM has not provided or created any jobs for the local population so we are left to resort to pushing drugs and crime, that is, if one is not very strong in faith. plus we all know the drugs are passing through legally now(especially the cocaine).

  7. I wonder why?
    April 5, 2013

    Oh but St Joe seems to be the PM’s favorite village man. Maybe he needs to forget about viellecase and contest in his famous St. Joe city man. Was he ever at a DLP meeting in St. Joe which the late PM, another Roosevelt (Rosie), was in attendance? Maybe we need to ask Tony Ass to remind us of that meeting and the venue.

  8. I wonder why?
    April 5, 2013

    I wonder why is in St. Joseph the prime minister chose to talk about crime and drugs. Is there something or someone he knows in St. Joseph that has anything to do with crime?
    If he really wants the public and the village council to help him combat drugs and crime, then why did he not push the police commissioner to listen to the confessor of the GON Emmanuel firebombing?

    Oh, by the way, was the confessor from St. Joseph or knew anyone from St. Joe? But wait nou; didn’t the confessor refer to another person of interest, who fled the country and the then PC said they would seek assistance from their counterparts abroad to have that person return to DA so they could have that matter solved? Was that person of interest from St. Joseph? Did he have anything to do with ST. Joe? I am just trying to connect the dots to see if there is a reason why prime minister Skeritt, chose St. Joseph to talk to talk about crime and drug.

  9. wow
    April 5, 2013

    I must say these guys in higher office know how to talk a good game. You are honestly telling me these people in higher office don’t know who the drug and gun pushers are? Dominica have police stations all over the country instead of the police officers becoming friends with the dealers tell them arrest the dealers . And tell the judges don’t grant them bail and see how fast things would turn around. I have been out of the country for 20 years and i know all the dealers in my village so what are the officers are getting paid for. Oh i forgot to drink rum and play dominos all day. Some guys have no jobs but they have the biggest house in the village and at 2 am they in an expensive SUV on the beach in the dark waiting. If i know that why the train officers don’t? PM open your eyes don’t make comments when u want a standing ovation.

  10. ----------
    April 5, 2013

    How do you help law enforcement, when you call the police for help they don’t show up?. Mr. PM why don’t you start by telling the police to do their job. hunting down pot should not be the only job of law enforcement, people need to feel safe and to be ensured that law enforcement will be there when needed.

  11. freedom
    April 5, 2013

    i wander why the(2in1 personality,known as peeping tom/ipo)don’t go to their ‘crystal balls’ and give the PM better vision as to the situation of drugs and development in the country and what is right as they always are.guess they must be busy posting under other names,until someone really touch their nerve.
    because nothing is free or in DA some things are free for some people.

    • IPO
      April 5, 2013

      Freedom you sound exactly like the uwp opposition leader…as alway making no sense, driving around Roseau, on the block, with a bag on your back.

  12. Doc. Love
    April 5, 2013

    If Skerrit really and truely want to stop crimes in Dominica, he must start from the top. You cannot kill a snake by cutting off it’s tail,you must cut off the head first.

  13. April 5, 2013

    A little less talking and more work will sure get the job done..
    Action speaks louder than words…

  14. BWA
    April 4, 2013

    first place to start fighting crime is the ministry. it have a jay crooks in there. king crook just need to go sit down some where.
    signed
    unaffiliated to any political party

  15. ???
    April 4, 2013

    Who are the members of the village council? and who is the chairman?

  16. pydana
    April 4, 2013

    who’s crime you want to stop yours or those people who isn’t connected to you in crime?

  17. As I see it
    April 4, 2013

    Since the Hon. Prime minister has called on the public for assistance to combat drugs and crime in Dominica, let me offer my assistance here.

    1. We must live in a society where no one is above the law.
    Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their political affiliation When one person is jailed for a crime he commits and another person can commit the same crime and will not even be questioned let alone charged, simply because of his political affiliation we are inviting crime.

    2.Hon. PM if you really want to fight drugs and crime then call parliament and ask them to put a law in place that will allow the government to seize the possessions of any Dominican that cannot give an account for their riches.
    We have too many people that just got very rich and based on their income and sometimes without an income they are rich. Such persons should be investigated reguardless of their political color, their position or title and if they cannot account for their worth then their possession should seized. Because of the nature of this thing, I don’t believe the police or any Dominican should be in charge of the investigation. Since the British naval ship will be in DA on 4/5/13 and will be meeting with president Eluid Williams, the PM and mr. Williams should ask them to send the Scotland yard for assistance.

  18. Public worker
    April 4, 2013

    SKERRIT I dictated two years go that his government was going to implement legislation that would prosecute those who cannot substantiate their sudden wealth. I wonder why these legislations have nt even implemented.
    Whosoever digeth a pit shall fall in it. If your are big tree we are te small axe. Sharpen to cut you down

  19. Larry
    April 4, 2013

    Good work Mr. PM.
    Mandatory sentences for gun related crime and drugs.

  20. Larry
    April 4, 2013

    Good work Mr. PM.
    The answer may lie with mandatory jail sentences.
    As a Canadian who with his wife are constructing a home on the North area of the Island have travelled the world extensively and found this area great… The taxes on newer vehicles is too high, if you plan on keeping the Nature Island Natural vehicles 4 years and newer should be reduced.
    But back to the gun and drug problem…we in Canada are working on long term, mandatory jail sentences. You should consider these as possible solutions.

    • deesseafricane
      April 4, 2013

      stupes that will do nothing but create a prison state like the US and crime will still be high. until there are more opportunities to make money in DA crime will continue to rise. if the government really wants to deal with crime they need to do three things 1) legalize ganga and stop trying to fight the US Canadian and Europe war on drugs. 2) take those resources and go after hard drug dealers. you know those wealthy spanish folks we see on the island. 3) Build youth centers where the youth can earn a trade and more importantly have something to do

  21. Girly
    April 4, 2013

    Mr pm u should shut down the red clinic industry and create more jobs for we the people of Dominica and this will eliviate the plight of crime and drug trafficking in the land one question to u where is secco

  22. an act of contrition
    April 4, 2013

    Finally the PM has acknowledged that he and his government have failed to develop peoples lives. The only bad thing about this statement is, he blames his failure to peoples development on monies used on national security. How much money has been spent on national security sir? Since according to you, monies that should have been spent on peoples development were spent on national security, is Dominica safer now than how you met it? The facts sure don’t support your claim. Since we all know that Dominica is no safer now than how you and your DLP administration met it in 2000, and with your own mouth you have confirmed that you failed to develop peoples lives, then what are you still doing in office? The main job of any PM is first: develop peoples life and secondly to keep them safe. You have failed in both duties sir and you are bold enough to say that government does not have the money to do so but yet, you are calling on the council of St. Joe to make that a priority. Does the council have more money than the government sir? If the nation’s elected government does not have the monies needed to combat drugs and crime then where will a local village council get funds to do what you cannot do? Your government might as well resign and let us swear in the St. Joe village council to run things in Dominica. Maybe we might have less crimes and people will be more developed.

  23. April 4, 2013

    i love the p.m for his good and generous work to our country 8) :-D

    • Candominican
      April 4, 2013

      you should drop the nn and replace it with $$.That would be better

  24. Anonymous
    April 4, 2013

    Good move and sensible debate from all. But I dwould like to say something,bring back the death penalty for the murderers of this land

  25. April 4, 2013

    i saying yes for y people and all you not saying nothing not a like :)
    or a dont like :(

  26. April 4, 2013

    hmhm :wink:

  27. youth
    April 4, 2013

    Very true statement Mr. PM but what about the poverty issue in St. joe? Are u aware that crime stems as a result of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and pure ignorance? Well Mr. Pm, my advice to you; stop playing political games using the ignorance of the ppl to achieve your goals;instead educate them on truth, honesty, integrity,respect and loyalty which u should demonstrate in your every day actions when addressing the public;stop taking “soft Loans” as it is referred to lately, from china and employing 95% of the work force Chinese. at the end of the day we have to repay those loans and no economic development for our country; maybe then, you might see a reduction in crimes around the island. Remember ” a hungry man is an angry man” and ” when the rain falls it don’t fall on one mans house”, Still a man have to do what he have to do to survive. Be it steal, sell drugs, kill, prostitute,beg; even Homosexuality which seems to be a latest thing among men.

  28. dominica
    April 4, 2013

    Crime is a societal problem??? You are dead wrong Mr.PM crime is an economic problem, and the minister of finance is responsible for improving the economy, so stop passing the buck and do something to stop crime in Dominica, cause u caused it with your policies of no growth & industry to employ people.

    man go to the parliament
    change those ancient laws on the books
    as it pertains to CRIME
    And that would be a great starting time

  29. Kenneth
    April 4, 2013

    Why not get the U.S.Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Alcohol Tabacoo and Firearms federal agents to come to the island and assist. I was a federal agent with the U.S and offered my services many times but was turned down. I have roots in Dominica and am sad when I read about all the crimes back home. I am in Law Enforcement again but at the local level. I still enforce the drug and weapon laws in the U.S.A . Dominica needs help in fighting these crime . It can not be done alone. I have many family back home and I am afraid for their safety every day. Mr P.M. have a heart for the people of Dominica and their safety please

  30. %
    April 4, 2013

    Good call PM, however,the police as a failed institution on island is well aware who the big drug barons are, Where they live, who help them,who are paid money to shut up, etc, etc etc.This is the state of affairs in this poor and almost failed state.A country without functioning institutions is doomed to fail.
    I personally call for working institutions on island, i call for assistance in letting people with dissenting views talk in this country without government operatives and grovellers jumping on their backs,calling them names likened to animals,I call for assistance in condemning the pronouncement made by A WELL KNOWN LAWYER that the opposition should be gone after like Obama goes after Alcaida members? Did you hear this? I call for a government and leaders who do not insult the people, I call for employment for the youths of this country, i call for assistance in telling the government that our passports are falling into the wrong hands, i call for assistance to see a start in the building of a FIVE STAR HOTEL IN LAYOU, i call for assistance in helping to stop corruption by our leaders…
    Almost every village in Domninica has a police officer. The policemen from a particular village know better than most of us who are the major drug traffickers in his village, and neighbouring villages.According to one commissioner, it’s because too many of these officers are in bed with the drug traffickers!
    The force needs to be cleaned up of the ‘bad eggs’, like the farmer is getting rid of weed in his farm.Just maybe we can then have a functioning institution called the police. They drink, their mouths smelling rum, they curse, THEY EVEN EAT IN PUBLIC WITH UNIFORM ON. This is so darn DISGUSTING.
    FINALLY PM the poverty you have driven this whole country into is now of concern to you. It’s better late than never, but honestly neither you nor the 17 other pieces of plastic posing as ministers who can’t even oppose you, are too darn lazy and incompetent, insultive and arrogant, maybe that’s why most people involved in the drug trade do not take you all seriously.
    Sad State of Affairs Indeed…
    Good Day/Night to the NJIC!

  31. I DIE NU
    April 4, 2013

    All you blaming the PM for any and every CRIME that take place in Dominica;He is now addressing the situation, asking for assistance from each and every one of us.Some of you have so much bias and negative comment to come up with.Some of you comment like you know very much of what going with that DRUG TRAFFICING thats the cause of the crimes;Like he said,come out and expose.If you don’t, you are as guilty.So why your bias and negative comment?!

  32. vexness
    April 4, 2013

    No law…no constitution :twisted: :-D

  33. John
    April 4, 2013

    Beauty and the beast sitting on the throne
    But the city is built upon dead man’s bones, yeah
    I’ve seen your crimes ano your atrocities
    Judgment is now that is your reality, yes

  34. Malatete
    April 4, 2013

    One thing has to be said. The PM. has “cojones”! On the one hand he is asking the public to assist law enforcers when that same police force is instructed to fence the court house, with arms and prevent charges to be brought against a close associate. The audacity of it is breathtaking.

  35. Rastafari
    April 4, 2013

    PM: “We have too many illegal guns in this country and we have to assist the state”

    Me: PM, total investigation and control of our ports will take care of our illegal guns issue!

    We Dominica does not manufacture guns/ammo, s

  36. Stoney
    April 4, 2013

    Skerro crime will be on the increase once you remain in Power, because you lack any sort of understanding of Governance..your style is like a 3 year old playing with a ball….simple as that.

  37. Jolly
    April 4, 2013

    This DLP Regime is clueless,a headless regime unable to create any kind of stimulation in the country.

    Well they got more on the welfare list and about to induct the “RED CLINIC” as part of the Constitution Of Dominica.

    Dominica the Fools Paradise Island!

  38. Anonymous
    April 4, 2013

    Good move Mr. PM. One thing is certain; it’s not the little boys seen peddling the drugs that are really in charge. We need to go after the “Papas” of Dominica. We need to start looking in the HIGH places where we KNOW they are. Too many young boys are being used in this drug business, risking their lives for nothing.

    Mr. PM when next you speak tell the youth directly: “TAKE YOUR TIME TO GROW UP; DONT’T BE JEALOUS OF WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DID TO EARN IT”

    In other words – do something to help my brothers for me

  39. Whistler
    April 4, 2013

    Mr.Skerrit Please show some sort of leadership i know you don’t have it but you must listen.

    your arrogant style is just crippling the island to death..

    if your priorities were broad base their would be more economic activity on the island..

    the state place was a egoistic and foolish idea under your watch, have you focus on agriculture.

    do you set targets and monitor progress…

    do you have press conferences and speak the truth

    you see the ills of dominica is way too many LIES!

  40. misss
    April 4, 2013

    ok

  41. z
    April 4, 2013

    Mr. PM I am in total agreement with you in the fight against DRUGS but word of caution when our representatives engage person who have aquired wealth and other resourses by the proceeds of Drugs what message are we sending. We should live by example and we were taught that children live what they learn(see). It seems to me that the same persons MR. PM that sits by the road all day with no known gainful employment seems to be the ones upheld by our Parl. Reps and our your persons are aspiring to emulate them because of their perceived success.

    • Black Widow
      April 4, 2013

      Mr PM great move, but as someone that young people look up to and want to emulate, it would be prudent on your part to begin to distance yourself from people who fall within these questionable columns of “wealth with no sweat”. One of your most vocal and avid supporters who is seen all over the place.. well you see where I’m going with this? I’m from Roseau and there is no way you can tell me you don’t know this shady characters’ rise to fame yet you cling to her. Fix that, otherwise I’m all for what you are saying.

  42. Graham Chambers
    April 4, 2013

    Very few educated people with jobs engage in the drug trade…very few….the problem is too many people in politics do not understand what education really means within the Dominican context because it is not simply getting degrees…

    • ......
      April 4, 2013

      ..”Very few educated people with jobs engage in the drug trade..”

      You might want to think before you speak especially when you want to school people on the meaning of Education vs Degree in any context. Clearly you have no knowledge on the runnings of a the drug trade. The idiot flashing on the street is merely a pawn in the big tank. Educated people are the masterminds behind the drug trade globally.

  43. Just sayin'
    April 4, 2013

    Speachless…who does Mister think is behind the drug movement?

    • Anonymous
      April 4, 2013

      You seem to know something. Do your country a favour and call the hotline.

  44. Lougaoo Mem
    April 4, 2013

    I fully support the idea Sir. But what about crimes allegedly committed by people in high places and supported by the privileged lawyers.

    Can you please tell us when you’ll demand
    your Police Commissioner conduct a thorough investigation in the Gon Emmanuel’s fire bombing?
    We shall not rest until this case is solved.

    You see the way you treat this heinous crime
    has become the barometer on how crimes are dealt with in the Nature isle. And I must add that the longer your administration takes to bring the culprits to trial, the greater is the damage
    to the image of our island. That’s just not good.

    • jeremy sinclair
      April 4, 2013

      One again you hit the nail on the head Askerrit should start closer to home

  45. Morihei Ueshiba
    April 4, 2013

    What u doing about the US man charged with massive IRS fraud that was planning on buying Dominica passport?? :(

    • Anonymous
      April 4, 2013

      You yourself say is plan de man was PLANNING on buying. He doh get it. So what’s your beef? It seems is you that want to sell it for him. SMH!!

    • Ignorance is Bliss
      April 5, 2013

      what should he do about it? The man is / was and wont be Dominica. Planning just means intention.

      You should hav eadvised in stead to revisit the program and revise the measures by which the investors are selected.

      After all – what can Skerritt do to a man who planned to buy a Dominican passport and is now held by the US?

  46. CIA on the Watch
    April 4, 2013

    Thought the number one problems of the village of St Joseph was poverty and when you address the poverty situation then the crime/drug situation will diminish. Is the Labor Party Prime minister aided and abetted by Kelver Daroux the parl rep afraid to mention the situation of poverty that they have created and shifing the blame on Drug trafficking. St Joe has its problems so lets deal with poverty in st joe then move on to the drug problem of the wider Dominican community

    • Me again
      April 4, 2013

      Very good observation. Get to the root of the problem… POVERTY :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • Lougaoo Mem
      April 4, 2013

      So true my fellow-man, so true!

    • Foucheete
      April 5, 2013

      Sorry to dissapoint you man, but there is far more crime in rich countries than we have in our poor, little Dominica.

  47. LOVE SIR KENTISH
    April 4, 2013

    CHUPES

    man go to the parliament
    change those ancient laws on the books
    as it pertains to CRIME
    And that would be a great starting time

  48. Diaspora
    April 4, 2013

    Crime is a societal problem??? You are dead wrong Mr.PM crime is an economic problem, and the minister of finance is responsible for improving the economy, so stop passing the buck and do something to stop crime in Dominica, cause u caused it with your policies of no growth & industry to employ people.

    • SAB
      April 4, 2013

      You have no idea what you’re babbling about?

    • Joe
      April 4, 2013

      @Diaspora: so when a person is employed and they are caught smoking a joint, which is a crime, is it that their economic situation led them to buy the drug? Is it in that context you saying it is an economic problem and not a societal one??

      A Police for example Battering his wife or how we like to say it his woman is caused by the econics not the fact that he may have caught her in bed with the neighbour…

      So i take it from your blog that rich countries, such as the United States, Canada et al, have absolutely NO CRIMES!!!!!!

      Gosh the things we say because of foolish POLITICS is just not funny!!!

    • Rigid
      April 4, 2013

      I have heard chupidness before, but I never hear one so sot. So when a rich son put explosives on him to kill as many people as possible that is poverty.My dear, people before were poor and they never bwakay others.Our youth are INSTANT children who want to BLINg,so they committing crime. Jackwagon

  49. anti anty
    April 4, 2013

    drug trafficking alone is not crime, crime is all unlawfull behaviour.
    eg white color crime, theft, murder just to name a few

    • Malgraysa
      April 4, 2013

      Please, no “color!” discrimination. The expression is “white collar crime” and not “white color” crime.

    • SAB
      April 4, 2013

      Garcon sa ou ka palay konte?

      You’ve lost me.

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